Tim O'Brien - Tribute

A gentleman and a scholar.

Tim O’Brien.

Accomplished golfer and cricketer. Exceptional footballer with a crunching tackle. Some of you reading this may still have the bruises.

Most of his cricket appearances were with Rochdale Catholic Club and his football with St Clement’s and Catholic Club.

Long time Dale and Rochdale Cricket Club supporter. CAMRA member and connoisseur of hand-pulled beers.

Tim was a great believer in fair play on and off the field.

His tackles on the football pitch were hard, but never dirty. A dedicated team player who never complained if he didn’t get to bowl, never criticised those of lesser ability in his team. 

Outstanding teacher of History and in later days mentor to many fortunate, potential teachers.

Tim often enlightened me on the causes and outcomes of historical events. He showed a deep understanding of history and politics, always offering reasoned and informative explanations.

Many will not know that Tim had a rich, baritone voice, in the style of Jim Reeves (Google it if you are under 65) with ‘I Love You Because’ being his favourite. He was reluctant to sing in public. It had to be a very special occasion, and at just the right time in an evening’s session. In all the years I have known Tim I doubt I have heard him sing more than a dozen times.

The depth of Tim’s knowledge often amazed me. Recently in ‘Our Gracie’s’ we got talking with a customer who had selected a book about a famous philosopher from the small book exchange in there. He and Tim then spent the best part of an hour discussing the works and ideas of Hobbes, Descartes, Locke, Kant and others. Names I have heard before but, as I expect is the case with many, I have no idea about their work.

Tim has always been great company. He loved to chat, celebrate and laugh. That wonderful, unique, laugh.

Some of our most distinctive memories were from his time living on Castle Avenue, over 30 years ago. Marvellous, bizarre situations.

The plastic flowers he planted when trying to sell his house, the mistletoe hanging in the hallway in June, Exocet in the Rifleman’s, the disappearing fine wine cellar, the sausage roll party (his 40th), exploding gas heater, and the time he commandeered the grand piano in a posh Leeds hotel. At breakfast he remembered nothing of the night before but said, ‘I bet I thought I could play it’. He couldn’t!

Best of all is a story too long to tell here but it concluded with Tim and Franny Kershaw after a session in the Catholic Club performing a Pace Egg play (Google if you need to) in the middle of Drake Street, near the Champness Hall, dressed in theatrical costumes, brandishing wooden swords.

The evening wasn’t over because, after a fine curry, Tim, still in his costume, proclaimed to everyone in the restaurant, ‘Do you know who I am? I am the King of Siam, I don’t pay for my curry!’ He didn’t pay.

Fortunately, a friend from St Clement’s, who was also dining there, settled the bill before the police were called.

Thank you, Tim. You brightened all our lives. Your spirit will always be with us.  

Phil Wheatley